My name is Keri and I am an 8^th grade student. Each year the 8^th grade students pick a community service project as part of our commitment to give back to the community that raised us.

I chose Half the Sky because I was born in Shijiazhuang China and adopted by my parents and brought over to America when I was 10 months old. I wanted to do something that would help the children in my home country and show that I care about them.

I had many different ideas to help raise money for Half the Sky, but the idea I thought was most creative was a Fundraising Dinner at my church. When I heard we were allowed use the church's facilities, I was so excited!

We developed a flyer and got the word out to all my relatives, classmates and to our adopted-from-China social group. Everyone was excited and happy to pitch in to help such a great cause.

On February 4, 2012 with the help and support of friends and family, we served Ham Fried Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice, Chicken Lo Mein, Dumplings and Vegetables. We also served desserts like sherbert, fortune cookies, and other sweets. We had friends and family help set up decorations for the dinner, serve the food and even clean up.

With lots of help and support, we served more than 90 people and raised a lot of money for Half the Sky. I loved doing this leadership project – it was a great success and I hope it helps some of those children in China.

Sincerely,

Keri

PS: In the picture, I am the third from the right in the black shirt. My younger sister, who is from Kunming China, is in the white shirt on the right)